PHOENIX — The holiday season means homes filled with family, friends and hopefully lots of gifts. But all too often these days, criminals intercept those gifts before the rightful owner brings them inside.

With Christmas presents having been exchanged, people are realizing that it might not be the delivery company’s fault a package didn’t arrive.

Phoenix Police Sgt. Vince Lewis is encouraging citizens to report information they may have about “porch pirates.”

“If you have video footage of a crime that occurred within the view of your camera – even if you’re not the victim – it’s still a good idea to let police know you have what you think may be a crime,” Lewis said Wednesday.

If the crime occurred in Phoenix, homeowners can call Crime Stop at 602-262-6151. If the crime is in progress and you have information about the suspect or car, call 911.

Lewis said to provide as much information as possible to police when making a report.

“If you can give us a serial number, model or make of the item that was taken it will help us recognize it later on,” he said.

“It could be resold or pawned, and that critical information will help police identify the item when they do locate it.”

Lewis also recommends staying in touch with neighbors via social media platforms.

“Homeowners can share their video footage with police through social media sites like Virtual Block Watch or apps like Ring Neighbors, and that’s going to let other people know crime has occurred in your neighborhood, meanwhile bringing neighbors together and letting people know eyes are looking outward,” he said.

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